Xanthochromia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Xanthochromia | |||
| image = [[File:Xanthochromia.jpg]] | |||
| caption = Cerebrospinal fluid showing xanthochromia | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = Yellowish discoloration of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] | |||
| causes = [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]], [[hyperbilirubinemia]], [[elevated protein levels]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Lumbar puncture]], [[spectrophotometry]] | |||
| differential = [[Jaundice]], [[carotenemia]] | |||
| treatment = Address underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Common in cases of [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]] | |||
}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Xanthochromia}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Xanthochromia}} | ||
'''Xanthochromia''' is a term used in medicine to describe the yellowish discoloration of the [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) due to the presence of bilirubin. This condition is often associated with [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]] (SAH) and is an important diagnostic indicator in the evaluation of patients with suspected [[intracranial bleeding]]. | '''Xanthochromia''' is a term used in medicine to describe the yellowish discoloration of the [[cerebrospinal fluid]] (CSF) due to the presence of bilirubin. This condition is often associated with [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]] (SAH) and is an important diagnostic indicator in the evaluation of patients with suspected [[intracranial bleeding]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Xanthochromia occurs when there is a breakdown of [[red blood cells]] in the CSF, leading to the release of [[hemoglobin]] and its subsequent conversion to bilirubin. This process can take several hours to days, which is why xanthochromia is typically not present immediately after a hemorrhage. | Xanthochromia occurs when there is a breakdown of [[red blood cells]] in the CSF, leading to the release of [[hemoglobin]] and its subsequent conversion to bilirubin. This process can take several hours to days, which is why xanthochromia is typically not present immediately after a hemorrhage. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The presence of xanthochromia is typically assessed through a [[lumbar puncture]], where a sample of CSF is collected and analyzed. The CSF is examined for its color, and spectrophotometry may be used to detect bilirubin levels more accurately. Xanthochromia is a key finding that helps differentiate between a traumatic tap and a true subarachnoid hemorrhage. | The presence of xanthochromia is typically assessed through a [[lumbar puncture]], where a sample of CSF is collected and analyzed. The CSF is examined for its color, and spectrophotometry may be used to detect bilirubin levels more accurately. Xanthochromia is a key finding that helps differentiate between a traumatic tap and a true subarachnoid hemorrhage. | ||
== Clinical Significance == | == Clinical Significance == | ||
Detecting xanthochromia is crucial in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially when [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans are inconclusive. It helps in confirming the presence of bleeding in the [[subarachnoid space]], which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. | Detecting xanthochromia is crucial in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially when [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans are inconclusive. It helps in confirming the presence of bleeding in the [[subarachnoid space]], which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Once xanthochromia is detected and a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage is confirmed, immediate medical intervention is required. Treatment may involve surgical procedures such as [[clipping]] or [[coiling]] of an aneurysm, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. | Once xanthochromia is detected and a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage is confirmed, immediate medical intervention is required. Treatment may involve surgical procedures such as [[clipping]] or [[coiling]] of an aneurysm, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]] | * [[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]] | ||
* [[Cerebrospinal fluid]] | * [[Cerebrospinal fluid]] | ||
* [[Lumbar puncture]] | * [[Lumbar puncture]] | ||
* [[Intracranial hemorrhage]] | * [[Intracranial hemorrhage]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
Revision as of 19:14, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Xanthochromia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Yellowish discoloration of cerebrospinal fluid |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | N/A |
| Duration | N/A |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Subarachnoid hemorrhage, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated protein levels |
| Risks | N/A |
| Diagnosis | Lumbar puncture, spectrophotometry |
| Differential diagnosis | Jaundice, carotenemia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Address underlying cause |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| Deaths | N/A |
Xanthochromia is a term used in medicine to describe the yellowish discoloration of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to the presence of bilirubin. This condition is often associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is an important diagnostic indicator in the evaluation of patients with suspected intracranial bleeding.
Causes
Xanthochromia occurs when there is a breakdown of red blood cells in the CSF, leading to the release of hemoglobin and its subsequent conversion to bilirubin. This process can take several hours to days, which is why xanthochromia is typically not present immediately after a hemorrhage.
Diagnosis
The presence of xanthochromia is typically assessed through a lumbar puncture, where a sample of CSF is collected and analyzed. The CSF is examined for its color, and spectrophotometry may be used to detect bilirubin levels more accurately. Xanthochromia is a key finding that helps differentiate between a traumatic tap and a true subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Clinical Significance
Detecting xanthochromia is crucial in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially when computed tomography (CT) scans are inconclusive. It helps in confirming the presence of bleeding in the subarachnoid space, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Management
Once xanthochromia is detected and a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage is confirmed, immediate medical intervention is required. Treatment may involve surgical procedures such as clipping or coiling of an aneurysm, along with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
